Wearable training and simulation device and uses thereof

Abstract

Described and demonstrated herein are embodiments of a self-supporting wearable device that can be used for medical training and simulations. Also described herein are methods of using the wearable device described herein.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A self-supporting wearable device comprising:
 an internal portion comprising:
 one or more formed layers, wherein each of the one or more formed layers comprises a material independently selected from the group consisting of: a plastic, a resin, a silicone rubber, or a composite material, wherein the one or more formed layers are formed in the shape of a ventral portion of a human torso, 
 wherein the internal portion is configured to contact a torso of a person or a manikin when optionally worn by the person or the manikin, 
 
 a middle portion comprising:
 one or more formed layers, wherein each of the one or more formed layers comprises a material independently selected from the group consisting of: a plastic, a resin, a silicone rubber, a polyurethane foam, or a composite material, wherein the one or more formed layers are formed in the shape of a ventral portion of a human torso; 
 one or more simulated anatomical parts of a human torso coupled to one of the one or more formed layers of the middle portion; and 
 
 an outer simulated skin, wherein the outer simulated skin is stretched over the middle portion such that the outer simulated skin assumes the shape formed from the middle portion; 
 wherein the middle portion is sandwiched between and coupled to the outer simulated skin and the internal portion and 
 wherein the internal portion is configured to support the middle portion and the outer simulated skin such that the wearable device is self-supporting such that it is configured for use as a trainer when not optionally worn by the person or the manikin. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more fastening members configured to couple the wearable self-supporting device to the torso of a user when optionally worn during use, wherein the one or more fastening members are coupled to the internal portion, the middle portion, the outer simulated skin, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       3. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the simulated skin comprises a silicone rubber embedded with fabric. 
     
     
       4. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the simulated skin comprises a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a fabric or a silicone rubber embedded with fabric. 
     
     
       5. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 4 , wherein at least one layer comprises a fabric and at least one other layer comprises a silicone rubber, wherein the at least one layer comprising fabric and the at least one layer comprising silicone are attached to each other. 
     
     
       6. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 4 , wherein each additional layer of the plurality of layers comprises a material independently selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane foam, silicone rubber, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       7. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of layers simulate human epidermal tissue, human dermal tissue, subcutaneous tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       8. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer simulated skin is repairable. 
     
     
       9. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more simulated anatomical parts are non-organ simulated anatomical parts. 
     
     
       10. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more simulated anatomical parts are selected from a larynx, one or more humeri, one or more clavicles, sternum, one or more ribs, connective tissue, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
       11. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more simulated anatomical parts is a simulated pericardium. 
     
     
       12. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the total weight of the wearable self-supporting device is less than about 10 lbs. 
     
     
       13. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the middle portion comprises 1-10 formed layers. 
     
     
       14. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the internal portion comprises 1-10 formed layers. 
     
     
       15. The wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , wherein the wearable self-supporting device is configured to cover a neck, one or more shoulders, a chest, an abdomen region, or a combination thereof of an optional user. 
     
     
       16. A method of using the wearable self-supporting device of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 performing a simulated medical procedure on the wearable self-supporting device. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising securing the device to a torso of a human or manikin or positioning the device on a surface with the outer simulated skin in facing away from the surface. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the medical procedure is a cricothyrotomy, intraosseous cannulation of bilateral humeral heads, intraosseous cannulation of the sternum, intramuscular injections, subcutaneous injections, chest tube thoracostomy at multiple bilateral rib interspaces, laceration repair, abscess incision and drainage, hematoma evacuation, foreign body and impalement stabilization and removal, puncture/abrasions/avulsion wound care, chest needle decompression at multiple bilateral rib interspaces, pericardiocentesis, paracentesis, escharotomy, chest port access and care, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16 , wherein performing a simulated medical procedure comprises applying a pressure one or more times in one or more locations on the self-supporting wearable device. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 16 , wherein performing a simulated medical procedure comprises making one or more incisions through at least one or more layers of the outer simulated skin.